It can be a perfect ending to an evening, or a great way to start a weekend.

However you choose to look at it, you just can’t beat attending an outdoor concert. And even though summer is coming close to an end, that doesn’t mean the music is. Far from it – from performances at Miller Outdoor Theater in Houston, Texas to TGIF Outdoor Summer Concert Series in Martinsville City, Va., there are still many places to enjoy free or nearly-free entertainment.

- Bring a lawn chair, and relax with your family and friends as you listen to the band during First Friday Night in Dahlonega, Ga. Taking place at Hancock Park in downtown, the music begins at 6:30 p.m. Plan to get their early, not only so you can get a good spot, but also to enjoy exploring the eateries and shops. Upcoming concerts include the Remember When Band on September 2 and Andy Davis Jazz on October 7.

-How can you improve on Blues and BBQ? By adding some beach to it, of course. Don’t missthe Hangout’s (Gulf Shores, Ala.) Beach, Blues and BBQ series with FREE performances on August 28; September 11, 18 and 25. An all day-event, the concerts kick off at noon with the headliners taking the stage around 8:30 p.m.

-Enjoy some heart-thumpin’, foot-stompin’ music during Back Porch Music on the Lawn at American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, N.C. Just bring yourself, your family and your friends along with either chairs or blankets to enjoy an evening of free music. Starting at 6 p.m., concerts are scheduled for September 2, 9, 19 and 30.

Looking for more music in Durham? Check out Brightleaf Square’s 2011 Concert Series. Live entertainment is on tap for August 26, as well as September 2, 9, 16 and 23. Bands start playing at 7 p.m.

- Relax in the evening with Groovin’ on the Grove in Southaven, Miss., with either two upcoming concerts, September 6 and 20, both beginning at 7:30 p.m. These free music performances take place next to Snowden Grove Park/Amphitheater. Coolers, blankets and/or lawn chairs are welcomed.

- Only at Larkin’s Rhythm on the River (Greenville, S.C.) can you enjoy the sounds of the Swingin’ Medallions on September 1 for $10. Yes, you read that right. If you can’t make it then, don’t worry, there are other bands performing on August 25 (The Craig Woolard Band, $10) and September 8 (The Fabulous Kays, $5)

- Don’t miss out on Coast to the Mountains Summer Concert Series at High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, N.C. There’s only two concerts left, August 25 and September 22. Happening at The Pavilion, starting at 7 p.m., the series is open to visitors, guests and residents. $7 per person and children are free.

- If you’re in the South Walton area this month or in September, you want to make your way to the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Of course, you can enjoy the many restaurants and shops, but on Wednesdays there’s the added benefit of a concert. The entertainment starts at 7 p.m. for August performances and 6 p.m. for September performances.

- It’s like getting three festivals for free at Riverfront Nights Summer Music Series in Chattanooga, Tenn. In its fifth year, this Saturday show is a combination of promoting green-sustainable-living and outdoor activities along with bands. Mark your calendar to attend on either September 3, 10 or 17.

-There’s still tome to enjoy a concert (or two) in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Head to Plyler Park on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for some tunes. Bands start playing at 8 p.m., and the series last through September 3. Expect a variety of sounds as on August 25, you can move to Tammy’s Tangent, feel the funk with Tru Soul on August 30 and discover your country roots with Eastbound on September 1.

^{photo credit: guitar, flickr, creative commons indrarado}